Madhya Pradesh (MP) state is situated in central India. The state is bordered by different states – to its northeast lies Uttar Pradesh, to its southeast lies Chhattisgarh, to its south lies Maharashtra, to its west lies Gujarat and to its northwest lies Rajasthan.
This state is popularly known as the Heart of India. MP’s capital is Bhopal, and the largest city is Indore. Madhya Pradesh is the second biggest state in India when it comes to the area. Its population is 72,597,565 (2011 census), and hence it ranks sixth in India as far as the population is considered.
Historical Facts
The ancient Vedas record the marriage of king Dashrath of Uttar Kosal, father of Lord Rama of the epic Ramayana, with the princess of Dakshin kosal (a part of modern Madhya Pradesh). It is believed that the Lord Rama & Sita spent a major part of their 14 years exile in Chitrakoot located in the Dandaka forest area, north of the Vindhyas.
- Archeological explorations & excavations provide a glimpse of the ancient period from the earliest times to about the 13th century AD. The finds speak of a developed ancient civilization & reflect the glorious & chequered history of its rulers & warriors & a rich cultural past.
- Historically known as Malwa, Madhya Pradesh – the second largest cenrally located state in India is called the very heart of India.
- The history of Madhya Pradesh goes back to the time of Ashoka, the great Mauryan ruler.
- Major portion of Central India formed part of the Gupta Empire (300-550 AD).
- In the first half of the seventh century it was part of domains of famous emperor Harsha. The close of tenth century was a period of confusion.
- In the early eleventh century the muslims entered central India, First Mahmud of Ghazni & then Mohammad Gori who incorporated certain parts with Sultanate of Delhi. It also formed part of Mughal empire with the rise of Maratha’s.
- The disintegrated smaller states paved way for British suzerainty. Some great women rulers like Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, Gond queen Rani Kamla devi & Rani Durgawati have carved a nick for them in history.
- After Independence, all the states signed the instruments of accession in to the Indian Union & on 28th May, 1948 a new state, Madhya Bharat came into existence with Indore & Gwalior as its capital.
- In the north, as the result of merger of 35 princely states of Bundelkhand & Baghelkhand, Vindhya Pradesh cane into being in April 1948 & in 1952, an elected ministry was formed with Rewa as its capital.
- In the North, as the result of merger of 35 princely of Bundelkhand & Baghelkhand, Vindhya Pradesh came into being in April 1948 & in 1952 an elected ministry was formed with Rewa as its capital.
- The state of Bhopal came into existence in June, 1949 & only in 1952 a popular ministry was formed.
- The state of Madhya Pradesh formed on 1st November 1956 was a conglomeration of Mahakosal, Madhya Bharat, Vindhya Pradesh, Bhopal state & Seronj sub division of the Kota District of Rajasthan.
- On 1st November 2001 Chhatisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. At present comprises of 45 district which are further subdivided into 264 tehsils & is the second largest state in India.
- The state is divided into agro-climatic zones including
- Kaimur Plateau and Satpura Hills,
- Satpura Plateau (Hills),
- Vindhyan Plateau (Hills),
- Narmada valley,
- Wainganga valley,
- Bundelkhand Region, Gird (Gwalior) Region,
- Malwa Plateau,
- Nimar Plateau,
- Jhabua Hills and
- Leeshiv.
Government of Madhya Pradesh
- Chief Minister : Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- Governor: Om Prakash Kohli
- Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh: Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar.
- Speaker: Sitasharan Sharma.
- The legislative house, Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha consists 230 Members of Legislative Assembly.
State symbols of Madhya Pradesh
Capital Bhopal
Date of formation 01/11/56
Governor Om Prakash Kohli
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Tourist attractions Sanchi Stupa, Gwalior Fort, Orchha Fort, Khajuraho, Ujjain
Festivals Gana-Gour, Ganga, Dashami, Hareli
Major dance Gaur Dance, Muria Dance,
Music forms Relo Songs
Arts and crafts Wall paintings or bhittichitras; Chippas or hand- lock printers; battubai dolls.
Languages Hindi
State animal Swamp Deer
State bird Paradise flycatcher
Major crops Rice, wheat soybeans, spices
No. of District 51
Forests & National Park in Madhya Pradesh
- Wildlife Parks: Bandhavgarh, Kanha , Kanha, Madhav (Shivpuri), Indravati Bandhavgarh,
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bori, Gangau, Indravati National Par, National Chambal (Gharial), Sanjay/Dubari, Noradehi, Barnawapara, Sitanadi, Achanakmar.
Major rivers in Madhya Pradesh
- Chambal
- Betwa
- Sindh
- Narmada
- Tapti
- Mahanadi
- Indravati
- Son
Famous places in Madhya Pradesh
- Amarkantak: source of Narmada.
- Asirgarh: fort of the legendary Asa Ahir
- Badoh-Pathari: Jain temples, 9th cent.
- Bhilai: steel plant
- Bhimbaithaka: Rock Paintings, Prehistoric cave paintings
- Bagh caves: Buddhist caves like Ajanta
- Bhojpur: Raja Bhoj’s unfinished temple.
- Burhanpur:Mumtaz Mahal was initially buried here
- Panna: Historical diamond mines.
- Pawaya: Ancient Padmawati. Capital of Naga kings.
Famous Personalities of Madhya Pradesh
Geographical Facts
- Madhya Pradesh has a distinctly diverse topography and hence a wide range of variation in the soil and vegetation. The forest forms include:
- Dry thorn forests
- Tropical moist deciduous forests
- Tropical evergreen forests
- There are number of national highways in the state. Some of them are NH3, NH 44, NH 12, NH 12A, NH 25, NH 26, NH 26A, NH 26B, NH 27, NH 59 A, and many more.
- Highest peak of MP is Dhupgarh (Satpura rage) with an altitude of 1,350 m.
- The main rivers of MP are Chambal, Betwa, Sindh, Narmada, Tapti, Mahanadi and Indravati.
- The highcourt of MP is located in Jabalpur, with two benches at Gwalior and Indore.
- Bhedaghat which is close to Jabalpur city is well known for Dhuadhar falls and world famous marble rock mountains on the banks of river narmada.
- Indore district of Madhya Pradesh is largest by population.
- Kanha National park which is also a tiger reserve is the largest National Park of MP. The famous novel Jungle book by “Rudyard Kipling” draws its inspiration from the forests of Kanha National Park.
- Karera Bird Sanctuary in Shivpuri district is famous for Great Indian Bustard (Son Chidiya).
Social and Cultural Facts about Madhya Pradesh
- Ujjain is one of the four places where Kumbh mela is organised in every 12 years. It is situated on the banks of Kshipra river. The other 3 places are Nashik, Allahabad and Haridwar.
- Sanchi is famous for its Buddhist monuments.
- 2 out of 12 Jyotirlings of Shiva are located in Madhya Pradesh. These are – Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar of Ujjain.
- Kanha national park near Jabalpur is one of the most beautiful wild life sanctuaries.
- Khajuraho once the capital of Chandel rulers was the epitome of great artistic activity between 9th and 12th centuries.
- Kandariya Mahadev and Dulhadeo Temple of Khajuraho are the famous architectural majesty of Chandel rulers in Medieval period.
- Khajuraho temples which are famous for its erotic sculptures are visited by tourists from all over the world.
- Madhya Pradesh has largest strength of tribals among Indian States.
- The main tribal groups are Gond, Bhil, Baiga, Korku, Bhadia , Kaul, Malto and Sahariya. Dhar, Jhabua and Mandla districts have more than 50 percent tribal population.
- Popular Folk dances are – Matki, Gangaur, Badhai, Baredi, Naurata and Bhagoria.
Economic Facts about Madhya Pradesh
- The major industries of MP are BHEL at Bhopal, Security paper mills at Hoshangabad, Bank Note Press at Dewas, Newsprint mill at Nepanagar and Alkaloid factory at Neemuch.
- Panna is the most famous diamond mine of Madhya Pradesh and India.
- Balaghat is famous for Bauxite, Copper and Dolomite.
- Betul and Chhatarpur are famous for fire clay, China clay and Coal reserves.
Famous persons of Madhya Pradesh
Chandra Shekhar Azad – was the eminent freedom fighter who was born in present Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh. His actual name was Chandra Shekhar Tiwari. Azad was adopted surname.
Kailash Satyarthi – who is a famous children rights activist won the Noble Peace Prize in sharing with Malala Yousufzai of Pakistan. He was born in Vidisha of MP.
Makhanlal Chaturvedi – was the eminent person who contributed in Hindi Literature. He was conferred with first Sahitya Akadmi Award in year 1955. He was born in Hoshangabad district.
Sharad Joshi – was the famous Hindi poet, writer and essayist and scriptwriter. The serial Laptaganj which aired on Sab TV is based on his stories.
Arjun Rampal – the hindi movie actor was born in Jabalpur in year 1972.
Kishore Kumar – the famous legendry actor and playback singer of hindi films was born in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh.
Lata Mangeshkar – the popular playback singer and Bharat Ratna Award winner was born in Indore of Madhya Pradesh.
Johny Walker – whose actual name was Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi worked as comedian in hindi films was born in Indore.
Jaya Bachhan (Bhaduri) – the popular former actress and present member of parliament was born in Jabalpur of Madhya Pradesh.
Mansoor ali Khan Pataudi, Amay Khurasia, Narendra Hirwani are the famous cricketers who are related to Madhya Pradesh.
